THCD and the use of initials and acronyms

[Friday]

I worked over 30 years with the US Federal Government, one thing I learned was the ease of use and the curse of initials and acronyms. I could talk for 15 minutes ( I timed it once) using nothing but initials and acronyms to describe what I was working on. For at least 90% of the people I talked to, even co-workers, I no idea what I was saying.

I am noticing the frequent used of initials and acronyms in many of the posts. I also notice that very seldom are these initials and acronyms explained. In my humble opinion this is a disservice to visitors, new members, old members that are casual users and even frequent long term members who have not visited this forum area lately. Would it be too much to ask that when using initials and acronyms that they be explained the first time they are used.

In the Government writing course I developed and taught the rule of thumb was, explain initials and acronyms the first time used and at least every three pages.